I’ve developed an experimental artificial intelligence system for computer games, and now I’d like to develop a game to test and help market the AI. I’ve got two ideas for a game, and I’d really like to hear your opinions about which one you think is better. The ideas are:

1/ A world War Two real-time strategy game, set on an island fought over by the Soviets and Germans. The goal of the game is to completely conquer the island. Each soldier is modelled individually, and the war takes place over the entire island. The player can either control the army as a whole, or can automate as much as they want, allowing the player to focus on only the stuff that interests them (like controlling just the tank divisions or Special Forces). So the war will continue and evolve even if the player just chooses to control a handful of units.

2/ A real-time strategy game set in and around an encircled city. The aim of the game is to either defend the city from the army outside, or play as the army outside and conquer the city. Each soldier is modelled individually, and the defenders can make all sorts of traps and devices to place in the streets between buildings (as well as having a limited number of troops). There will be a part of the game where players can make their own traps and devices by combining base components, which can then be placed at locations where they think the enemy will attack. The setting will either be present day, or perhaps just after the Second World War and using that level of technology.

I really appreciate your feedback, and thanks for taking the time to read my post.

If your focus is on the AI I wouldn't choose option 1, because it sounds a way to casual to see a good AI in action.Your second option could highlight the AI a lot more because of the traps and and behaviours.